This Saturday, the CU Buffaloes will try to extend their winning streak to three games when they host Nicholls State, a FCS school that hails from Thibodaux, La. (population 14,567). Most people, including the most well-versed college football fans in the country, don’t know much about the Colonels; they’re a bit of a below-the-radar school in every way imaginable, especially on the gridiron.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t some interesting tidbits about the program, some of which have a unique local tie. So to get ready for the game, here are five things Colorado fans should know about Nicholls State, so they’ll sound intelligent at the tailgate party:
No. 1
The Colonels haven’t won a game since Oct. 12, 2013. Since beating Northwestern State by a 33-21 count that day, the team has lost 20 straight games. They’re 0-2 so far in 2015, losing the two games by a combined score of 67-10.
No. 2
Since their first season in 1972, Nicholls State has produced 16 players that have been drafted into the NFL. The most recent selection, defensive back Ladarius Webb, was taken by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2009 draft.
No. 3
The playing surface at the Colonels home venue, John L. Guidry Stadium (capacity 10,500), is named Manning Field in honor of Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, his brother, Eli, and his father, Archie, who hold their annual Manning Passing Academy football camp at the facility.
No. 4
Head coach Tim Rebowe was once the head coach at Destrehan High School in Destrehan, La., where he compiled a 26-11 record across three seasons. He led the Wildcats to the 1993 state title and coached future NFL star Ed Reed.
No. 5
Nicholls State is part of the Southland Conference, which includes 13 member schools from Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, participating in 17 different sports. The Colonels have won seven conference titles since joining in 1991, including a football banner in 2005.
Drop this knowledge at Folsom Field and fellow fans will surely be impressed!